The M43B18 engine is an inline 4-cylinder petrol engine, offering a displacement of 1796 cm³ (109.6 cu-in) for an efficient yet powerful performance. It utilizes a Bosch DME M1.7.1 fuel system and is naturally aspirated, with a compression ratio of 9.7:1. The engine features an 8-valve configuration, with a bore and stroke of 84 x 81 mm (3.31 x 3.19 inches), optimizing combustion for smoother operation and fuel efficiency.
With a maximum power output of 115 PS (113 HP or 85 kW) at 5500 rpm and peak torque of 168 Nm (123 lb-ft) at 3900 rpm, it offers responsive acceleration and steady performance across a range of driving conditions. The power is sent to the rear wheels (RWD) through a 5-speed manual transmission, providing an engaging and dynamic driving experience. This engine is designed to balance fuel economy with everyday performance, making it well-suited for both city driving and highway cruising.
BMW E36 3 Series Sedan 318i Engine Technical Data
| Engine type – Number of cylinders | Inline 4 |
| Engine Code | M43B18 |
| Fuel type | Petrol |
| Fuel System | Bosch DME M1.7.1 |
| Engine Alignment | Longitudinal |
| Engine size – Displacement – Engine capacity | 1796 cm3 / 109.6 cu-in |
| Bore x Stroke | 84 x 81 mm 3.31 x 3.19 inches |
| Number of valves | 8 Valves |
| Aspiration | N/A |
| Compression Ratio | 9.7 |
| Maximum power – Output – Horsepower | 115 PS / 113 HP / 85 kW @ 5500 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 168 Nm / 123 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm |
| Drive wheels – Traction – Drivetrain | RWD |
| Transmission Gearbox – Number of speeds | 5 speed Manual |
BMW E36 3 Series Sedan 318i Fuel Consumption (Economy), Emissions and Range
The BMW E36 3 Series Sedan 318i, powered by the M43B18 engine, offers impressive fuel efficiency across different driving conditions. On the open road, it achieves a fuel consumption of 5.7 L/100 km (50 MPG UK or 41 MPG US), making it an economical choice for long-distance driving. On the highway, the fuel consumption increases to 7.4 L/100 km (38 MPG UK or 32 MPG US), while city driving results in a consumption of 9.6 L/100 km (29 MPG UK or 25 MPG US), reflecting the more demanding nature of urban stop-and-go traffic.
With a fuel tank capacity of 65 liters (17.2 US gallons or 14.3 UK gallons), it offers a good range between refueling stops, making it well-suited for both everyday commuting and longer trips. This balance of fuel economy and range enhances its overall practicality.
| Fuel Consumption – Economy – Open road | 5.7 L/100 Km 50 MPG UK 41 MPG US |
| Fuel Consumption – Economy – Highway | 7.4 L/100 Km 38 MPG UK 32 MPG US |
| Fuel Consumption – Economy – City | 9.6 L/100 Km 29 MPG UK 25 MPG US |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L 17.2 US gallons 14.3 UK gallons |
BMW E36 3 Series Sedan 318i Performance
The BMW E36 3 Series Sedan 318i, powered by the M43B18 engine, delivers solid performance. With a top speed of 201 km/h (125 mph), it offers a capable and confident driving experience on highways and open roads. The sedan accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 11.3 seconds, providing responsive acceleration for daily driving. It covers 1000 meters in 32.4 seconds, ensuring smooth and steady progress over longer distances. This combination of performance figures highlights the vehicle’s ability to balance efficiency with driving enjoyment.
| Top Speed | 201 Km/h / 125 Mph |
| Acceleration 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) | 11.3 s |
| Acceleration 0 to 1000m | 32.4 s |
BMW E36 3 Series Sedan 318i Size, Dimensions, Aerodynamics and Weight
The BMW E36 3 Series Sedan 318i features a 4-door configuration, with a spacious interior that accommodates up to 5 passengers. It has a wheelbase of 270 cm (106.3 inches), providing a comfortable ride and stable handling. The exterior dimensions are 443.3 cm (174.53 inches) in length, 169.8 cm (66.85 inches) in width, and 139.3 cm (54.84 inches) in height, giving it a compact yet practical profile for various driving environments.
The sedan has a curb weight of 1205 kg (2657 lbs) and a weight-to-power ratio of 10.5 kg/hp, striking a good balance between performance and fuel efficiency. It offers 435 liters (15.4 cu-ft) of trunk capacity, providing ample storage space for luggage or everyday items.
For braking, the vehicle is equipped with front disc brakes (286 mm / 11.26 inches) and rear drum brakes (228 mm / 8.98 inches), ensuring reliable stopping power. It rides on 185/65 R15 tires both front and rear, contributing to stable handling and comfort. The front suspension utilizes McPherson struts, while the rear suspension is a multi-link Z-axle setup, designed to deliver both comfort and agility on the road. This combination of features makes the BMW E36 318i an efficient, practical, and enjoyable car to drive.
| Num. of Doors | 4 |
| Wheelbase | 270 cm / 106.3 in |
| Length | 443.3 cm / 174.53 in |
| Width | 169.8 cm / 66.85 in |
| Height | 139.3 cm / 54.84 in |
| Num. of Seats | 5 |
| Aerodynamic drag coefficient – Cx | – |
| Front Brakes – Disc dimensions | Discs (286 mm / 11.26 in) |
| Rear Brakes – Dics dimensions | : Drums (228 mm / 8.98 in) |
| Front Tyres – Rims dimensions | 185/65 R15 |
| Rear Tyres – Rims dimensions | 185/65 R15 |
| Curb Weight | 1205 Kg / 2657 lbs |
| Weight-Power Output Ratio | 10.5 kg/hp |
| Trunk / Boot capacity | 435 L / 15.4 cu-ftFront |
| Front Suspension | McPherson struts |
| Rear Suspension z | Multi-Link Z-Axle |